Stand Tall, Stand Strong: How Combat Sports Build Confidence and Combat Bullying

The effects of bullying can have a long-lasting impact on a person’s life. It can lead to an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and sleep difficulties, among other challenges.

Bullying has less to do with who’s bigger, stronger, and faster and more to do with control. Though adults may experience it, statistics show its prevalence among students, with one out of every five students reporting being bullied.

Introducing combat sports provides a healthy solution to foster resilience and empowerment among kids and young adults who want to stand up for themselves.

Combat sports are known for their high-intensity, physical interactions. Yet, it also includes psychological benefits that have lingering positive effects as well. 

In this blog, we’ll share some of these benefits of combat sports, how they can be used for anti-bullying purposes, and tips for parents on how to find a gym that matches exactly what their kids need.

Building strength, both mentally and physically, engaging in high-cardio activities helps to boost serotonin to give kids the positivity they need to feel good about themselves.

Psychological Benefits of Combat Sports

On the surface, combat sports seem like a purely physical endeavor. There are punches, kicks, and holds as part of a normal routine. 

However, while physicality is important, numerous psychological benefits are often overlooked which are just as powerful. Some of these include:

Self-Confidence

Bullies diminish self-confidence, but combat sports can build it back up. As students get to see results in their movements and techniques, it gives them pride in their achievements and a sense of accomplishment.

Self-Advocacy

Being part of a team teaches kids how to support others while also advocating for themselves. Combat sports training involves learning fight skills but also teaches integrity and respect to promote self-esteem.

Resilience

Combat sports require cultivating mental toughness to face physical challenges. As a beginner in the sport, it can take time to perfect techniques and form and build the stamina to keep going. 

Every training day offers a new challenge, and those who maintain accountability and continue to show up enhance their ability to bounce back when faced with barriers. 

Discipline and Focus

The discipline of combat sports teaches kids respect for the sport as well as for each other. Plus, having a healthy emotional outlet available helps with stress management and anxiety. 

SociabilityIf a child is being bullied, it can cause them to withdraw from their families, friends, and classmates. The inclusiveness of combat sports allows students to form new friendships and experience a sense of belonging that’s friendly and positive. 

Leveraging Combat Sports As an Anti-Bullying Tool

Boxing, MMA, and other combat sports are not about promoting violence. There is a significant difference between a bully picking a fight and fighting within a controlled environment to improve upon specific skills and techniques.

Yet, you may be curious how the benefits of combat sports translate into becoming an anti-bullying tool. Bullies are notorious for preying on who they believe are weaker than them. 

Demonstrating strength and confidence can get bullies to back down. Additionally, learning self-defense skills teaches situational awareness and general protection skills, as well as equips kids with the mental fortitude to withstand intimidation and peer pressure.

Moreover, combat sports coaches and mentors serve as positive role models, essential in shaping a child’s self-esteem. By instilling values like discipline, assertiveness, and perseverance, students can learn at a formative age how to carry themselves with control.

Tips for Parents on Choosing the Right Gym

Finding the right gym is an important factor, which will affect a child’s experience. To narrow down where to sign up for kids combat sports, here are a few tips:

Explore the Neighborhood

Start with reviewing boxing, BJJ, and MMA gyms close by to make it convenient for kids to stay on track with their training. Having familiarity with a neighborhood can also make a child feel more comfortable than starting in an area that’s brand new.

Consider Class Variety

For kids combat sports, there’s often the option to sign up for a series of classes as part of a complete training in boxing, karate, or another type of MMA. Gauge a child’s interest in each of these sports and check if there’s a chance to attend a class for free to try it out before committing. 

Stick with the Same Age Range 

One of the best things about combat sports is community, which can be an extra confidence boost for a child. Many gyms have classes based on age range or skill level, which can align with what a student is ready for.

Get Recommendations

Whether it’s in person or online, research the gym’s reputation when it comes to cleanliness, professionalism, and friendliness. Also, take into account if it has group training, one-on-one mentorship, or both, the kind of equipment used, and class availability.

Making Combat Sports Fun for Kids

Starting something new can be scary for kids. If you’re introducing combat sports, make it as fun and engaging as possible. 

Hayabusa can help out with its wide range of boxing and MMA gear and equipment to give kids a reason to look forward to their next lesson. 

Marvel-Themed Boxing Gear

Kids will be more than excited to enter the boxing ring when donning Captain America or Wolverine boxing gloves.

Let them slip into the role of their favorite superhero and keep their hands and wrists well-protected with their favorite designs.

Youth Jiu-Jitsu Gi

It’s important for kids to feel like they fit into their surroundings. They can immediately feel like part of the jiu-jitsu community with their own gi. The Ascend Youth Jiu-Jitsu Gi provides the official feel of being a fighter while ensuring their comfort and safety are intact as they train.

Youth Rash Guard

For combat sports that require grappling, a rash guard helps to prevent mat burns and rashes. Equipping your child with the right apparel and equipment will make them feel ready to tackle any challenge that comes their way.

Take Action Against Bullying with Hayabusa

Bullying is unwelcome behavior but to combat the problem it often takes facing the situation head-on. 

Combat sports can give kids the confidence, resilience, and determination to stand up to bullies. Alternatively, for kids who may be the instigators, it provides them an outlet for aggression as they learn how to control their emotions without violence. 

Either way, it allows everyone to shine and feel empowered in a healthy, beneficial way. 

Whether your child’s interested in boxing or jiu-jitsu, karate or MMA, Hayabusa has all the boxing and MMA gear, equipment, and apparel to start kids on their fight journey and support them every step of the way. Shop Hayabusa today. 

Sources

Bullying Statistics by National Bullying Prevention Center